Elections
Blyth Town Council Elections 2025: Key Information for Voters and Candidates
The ordinary elections for Blyth Town Council will take place on Thursday, 1 May 2025, along with the County Council elections. This is a crucial opportunity for residents to have their say in who represents them at the local level. Below is all the key information voters and prospective candidates need to know.
Voter Registration and Key Deadlines
To take part in this election, you must be registered to vote. The deadline for voter registration is Tuesday, 16 April 2025. You can register online via the UK Government’s website or request a paper form from the local elections office.
If you need to apply for a postal or proxy vote, the deadlines are as follows:
- Register to vote deadline: Friday 11th April 2025 (midnight)
- Postal vote application deadline: Monday 14th April 2025 (5pm)
- Proxy vote application deadline: Wednesday 23rd April 2025 (5pm)
- Voter Authority Certificate deadline: Wednesday 23rd April 2025 (5pm)
- Election Day: Thursday 1st May 2025 (polling stations open 7am - 10pm)
Photo ID will be required when voting in person. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, driving license, or an official voter authority certificate. If you need a voter ID certificate, the deadline to apply is 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
Thinking of Standing for Election?
Blyth Town Council plays a vital role in shaping the local community, managing public spaces, and working on behalf of residents. If you are passionate about making a difference, you may consider standing as a candidate. The representation of Blyth Town Council consists of sixteen councillors divided among eight wards, namely:
• Cowpen • Croft • Isabella • Kitty Brewster • Newsham • Plessey • South Blyth • Wensleydale
Who Can Stand?
To stand for election as a Town Councillor, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or an EU citizen with retained rights
- Meet one of the following criteria:
- Be registered as a local government elector in the parish
- Have lived, worked, or owned property in the parish for at least 12 months before the election
How to Submit a Nomination
The Notice of Election will be published on Thursday, 20 March 2025, and nomination forms can be submitted from Friday, 21 March 2025.
Key Steps in the Nomination Process
- Obtain Nomination Papers – Available from the elections office from 3 March 2025, or downloadable from the Electoral Commission website. You can also request a copy from Blyth Town Council from 3 March 2025.
- Complete and Submit Nomination Forms – Forms must be delivered by hand to one of the four designated centres across Northumberland (listed below) and cannot be submitted by post, email, or other electronic means.
- Nomination Deadlines – The deadline for submitting completed forms is 4:00 pm on Tuesday, 1 April 2025 for Alnwick, Berwich and Hexham, Wednesday 2 April 2025 for Morpeth.
The designated centres will be located in the following areas, but please note that the dates for venues are variable, and will be published at the time:
- Alnwick (Lindisfarne Centre)
- Berwick (Northumberland Info Centre)
- Hexham (Queens Hall)
- Morpeth (County Hall)
The Northumberland County Council Returning Officer strongly recommends booking an informal check of nomination papers before formal submission. This service will help identify any potential issues that could lead to rejection of the nomination.
Appointment bookings will open on Monday 3rd March and can be made online or by calling 01670 624811. Forms can be hand delivered by the candidate, or any other person.
What Happens Next?
- If the election is contested, voting will take place on 1 May 2025.
- If the election is uncontested, candidates will be declared elected without a vote.
A briefing session for all nominated candidates will be held via Microsoft Teams at 6:00 pm on Thursday, 3 April 2025, to provide additional guidance on the election process.
Why Stand for Council?
Becoming a Town Councillor is a rewarding way to contribute to your community. The role involves:
- Representing local residents and their interests
- Helping manage local services, including green spaces and community projects
- Working with Northumberland County Council and other agencies on local issues
Town Councillors are unpaid but can claim some expenses. The commitment varies but typically involves attending Council and Committee meetings.
Further Information
For more details about standing for election, visit:
- Electoral Commission Guidance: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance-candidates-parish-council-elections-england
- Northumberland Association of Local Councils: northumberlandalc.uk
If you have any questions about the nomination process, contact the elections office at electionnominations@northumberland.gov.uk or call 01670 624811.
For more information about Blyth Town Council please visit blythtowncouncil.gov.uk, email info@blythtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01670 8361668
Further information on the nomination process and on becoming a Parish Councillor can be found on the links below.
2025 Parish Candidates Nomination Information
Make Your Voice Heard
Whether you're voting or standing as a candidate, your participation helps shape the future of Blyth. Make sure you're registered, informed, and ready to take part in the upcoming elections.